Bianchi Specialissima Parigi Roubaix, racing bicycle, 1949, Italy
This Bianchi “Specialissima Parigi-Roubaix” was the official bicycle for the antique (1896) and tough Parigi Roubaix race.
The route included some cobbles stretches, often muddy and the rules forced the cyclist to use the fixed pinion: bluffing was impossible!
The 1949 edition saw the unlucky Coppi sharing the victory “ex aequo” with the French Mahè.
Technical notes:
- Double pinion: free wheel + fixed
- “Parigi-Roubaix” CAMPAGNOLO gearbox
- BIANCHI-CAMPAGNOLO hubs
- UNIVERSAL type 49 brakes
- AMBROSIO taylor-made handlebar
- BROOKS saddle
- NISI light alloy rims
- BIANCHI aluminum canteen
- BIANCHI gonfleur (loaded with compressed air for a quick inflation in case of punctures)